The big sled was shipped on a Semi trailer to Washburn Wl. where it could be unloaded with their 150 ton boat lift and lowered down to the ice as shown in the photos below.

     Photo shows Mark Shulte climbing into the windsled to start it up and drive off the large straps now caught under the hull.

     Looking more like a snow machine then a windsled the sled moved forward out onto Lake Superior for the first time.

     Mark ran the windsled out onto the ice beyond the Marina for a quick evaluation and some well deserved fun. Later in the day the sled was evaluated by Arnie and Ronnie Nelson and a few of the Winter Transportation Committee members near the City of Ashland where ice conditions were more favorable. After it was tested it was brought to the Island for the first time.

     Photo of the windsled parked on the ice inside the Madeline Island Yacht Club.

     Because of the lack of ice this year, the decision was made to move the sled out to a location near the La Pointe Emergency Services Building. Photo shows Mark driving the sled up the Marina boat ramp to the parking area. Once there the hitch was attached to the bow, the wheels were lowered, it was hooked up to a truck and Arnie Nelson pulled it out to its new home as shown below.

     We will have to wait until next year to test and improve the new sled. Little things will have to be done to get the sled just right.